Couch BioMed Research Bldg, Washington University School of Med

St. Louis, Missouri
Owner Washington University Saint Louis
Architect Goody Clancy/Christner
Construction Manager Clayco
Design Build Mechanical icon Mechanical
Design Assist Mechanical icon Mechanical
Value of icon's Work $13,000,000
icon Mechanical served as the design/assist mechanical contractor for this six-story, 138,000 sqft. laboratory building for the Washington University School of Medicine. The building, located between Scott and McKinley streets, houses research spaces dedicated to interdisciplinary research on some of the most complex problems in human biology. In addition, the architectural layout allows for highly flexible, open laboratories.
icon worked closely with the KJWW Engineers and Christner Architects to provide cost effective mechanical systems that met the end users’ needs, while also saving construction cost for the University. These cost savings allowed the Owner to add additional scope to the project while still maintaining the original GMP. On this project, icon also served as the lead for the BIM Coordination effort. All field layout for the project was done using BIM data transferred directly to the field through robotic layout tools.
The building is designed to evolve for future research needs while simultaneously providing a safer work environment, lower waste and greenhouse gas production, and decreased natural resource consumption. This design effort will ultimately provide a monetary benefit over updating and outfitting older lab and office spaces to fit new  research needs.

Project Highlights:

  • All mechanical systems designed and commissioned to meet project goals for LEED Certification
  • Design/Assist Mechanical Contractor for HVAC Systems, which included a 1,000T CHW Plant and a Steam to HW Plant
  • Chemical Feed Systems: Industrial Water System
  • Laboratory Systems: RO System; Laboratory Gas Systems; Laboratory Water System; CO2 System; Compressed Air System; Vacuum System; Acid Waste Drain; HEPA Filtration
  • Laboratory Requirements: Tissue Culture Lab; Cold Rooms; Autoclaves